Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 190

The Troubles of Sailing
Sha Tin College, Ng, Ryan - 11
Looking back on it thirty years later, it all seemed comical, mildly dangerous at most. However, at that
time I thought we were surely doomed. It was all down to our leader, Zheng He. He promised our survival;
the greatest captain of the seas, and a trusted friend of the Emperor. It was my honor to be his cabin boy.
Over the years, traveling together, we struck up a close friendship, if you heard my fellow sailors’ stories,
you’d be able to see why we all place our lives in his hands. Together, we faced many hardships, but the one
that we all take pride in is the Ming Treasure Voyage.
Despite the three decades, the memories are still fresh and vivid. I was no older than twelve, in front of
the wheel, enjoying the fresh, salty sea breeze brushing past my face. While being faintly aware of the
familiar heated voices a few meters away from me, I was entirely captivated by the view. Right at that
moment, Zheng He and the chief navigator stormed on board, hauled up the anchor, rolled out the map
and we were off again! The breeze immediately increased tenfold, so powerful that I had to sit on my hat to
prevent it from rolling away in the breeze. Meanwhile, I mulled over what they were arguing about. Zheng
He must have noticed the sullen expression on my face, and thus proceeded to lighten up the mood. “Cheer
up boy! The end is in sight!” Pointing at a distant group of islands far on the horizon. I stood up, taking a
glance at the maps - they always fascinated me. I spotted a large, red circle enclosing a patch of seemingly
barren ocean, underneath were the words - ‘Beware, hidden coral reef’. I pointed this out to Zheng He,
who patted me on the shoulder, assuring me that the navigator was well aware and we had already passed it.
That was what I presumed they were arguing about. Suddenly, the ship made an ominous tearing noise and
we started sinking. In a quick glance, I fell into the deep black abyss of unconsciousness.
A sudden gust of wind gave me the rudest of awakenings. I was lying on a fine, white, stretch of sand,
completely devoid of rocks. Others however, were not so lucky. Some were tossed inland by the thrashing
ocean like a toddler would toss its toys; more bodies were still coming in. Quickly glancing around, I nearly
jumped out of my shoes when I saw Zheng He pacing near me, fuming with anger and confusion. “That
infuriating, stubborn navigator! I told him about the coral reef. Fate will have him one day.” It was
unsettling to see him lose his composure; ever since a young child I’ve always known him to be a man of
calm disposition.
The next morning, there was something that drove everything else right out of my mind. The sun was
beginning to peek up above the mountains as I slowly woke up from my deep slumber in the forest, I
realized people were moving past me towards a dark silhouette in the distance. I leaped off the not so comfy
forest floor, all traces of sleep and weariness instantly vanished. What was it? What's happening? I slowly
crept forward to find out. It wasn’t just the silhouette that could be dangerous. The forest floor was littered
with perils. There was an unseen number of roots and vines snaking across the ground, sudden holes and
ditches that could cripple without warning. Don’t even get me started on the wild life.
Some fellow sailors and I crept closer, a beast appeared to be hunched over something. Everyone had
their theories and the critics against said theories.
“A monster, definitely.”
“If it is, what kind is it?”
“I don’t know, it looks massive though.”
“Maybe it’s a yeti!”
“Yetis don’t exist.”
Zheng He finally decided that he had enough of all this nonsense. Rushing forwards with his sword
raised out, he raced ahead to confront the threat, a few others followed suit. Halfway there, they stopped
and started laughing. Any fear amongst us quickly dissipated and instead, a wave of curiosity and confusion
took over. It was our ship! And to think that we were petrified at the sight of that! One by one, the crew
members creeped out like timid mice and soon there was an outburst of laughter. Alas, the good feelings
were soon vanquished and the reality of a gaping hole in our hull hit us like a horse carriage.
We immediately set to work, scouring the ship for anything remotely useful. Everyone’s hands were full
and it all soon became a vast heap in front of Zheng He. He began the laborious task of searching through